Depression - Alt

I have been trying to use meditation, yoga, and nutrition to alleviate my severe depression and OCD.  The meditation has been very beneficial (both sitting and walking meditation).  Yoga has helped with some of my intrusive thoughts and the horrific pain they cause me.  I was seeking some other methods which I am unfamiliar with, and was hoping someone in this group would have knowledge of these methods.

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Re: Depression - Alt

Hi Brenton,

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Re: Depression - Alt

With anything to do with health it is very important to work with your health care provider.
There are other things that will help, like , doing the same routine , and meditation , music is great therapy, art , writing. exercise is very important even if you don't want to go do it.
Make a list ,, and stroke of the things that you do each day , and keep doing them.
Set small goals , and big goals , and work on them slowly one day at a time.
Mkake sure you have a Doctor that works well with you. As you are the best person to know this.
Do lots of research before you do anything , and also consult your doctor.

Communication is essential , to help with your health, and well being.

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Re: Depression - Alt

I have a couple things I could say on the subject, but I’ll be brief.

When you’re feeling down in the dumps try feeling into the depression.  By that I don’t mean feeding any thoughts that might be going on in your head, but rather just bring an accepting presence to what you’re feeling.  “I’m glad to be here with you because you’re perfect just the way you are, and I’m here to listen” type of presence, and just sit there feeling into yourself instead of trying to run away by self rejecting.  It’s not complicated so try not to put too much into it.  You just have to be genuine.

Also as you’re already doing, nutrition and diet are going to be key… it would be interesting to know what you consider nutritious?  Exercise is also an integral aspect along with getting consistent good night sleeps.  Really anything that’s going to remove uncomplimentary stress from your system is needed.  A good example of complimentary stress would be strength training, something you may want to consider.  I find it extremely empowering.

Last but not least I would like to present Byron Katie to you.  Personally if I’m right out it, her work really helps.  She has a very soothing presence.  To get a feel for what she has to offer you can watch some video’s of her on her website: The Work of Byron Katie.  I also find Eckhart Tolle soothing along with Fred Kofman of late.

Hopefully I added some useful information for you.

Cheers!
Seth

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Re: Depression - Alt

Oh and one other thing you might want to check out is the book Emotional Clearing by John Ruskan.  He’s also a musical artist, and actually starts his book off by speaking from that perspective.  I highly recommend it.

If you want to check them out I’ve made a couple posts in the past concerning his work.

Integrative Processing

Unconditional Self-Love

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Re: Depression - Alt

Everything you are doing for your depression is great. I just have two tips that I have found useful. Start working out. I know there will be days you don't want to but if you start running or doing ab workouts, you're taking all that excess stress that is putting a strain on your body and relieving it. It'll make you feel more in touch with yourself and help with the depression. You also need to start seeing a therapist to help you with your depression and OCD. You'll be able to pinpoint the problems you are having and solve them so you'l feel better about yourself and keep you healthy. Nothing will get solved in a matter of minutes but after you start doing everything for a little while, you'll feel the difference in your mood and feelings.

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Re: Depression - Alt

Exercise, good nutrition, finding a supportive community like here.  Major studies have shown that exercise is best for treating depression, and that antidepressants are much less effective, and have terrible side effects.  The combination of antidepressants and exercise are less effective therapy than just taking exercise.  So try to avoid those pills.  If you want a pill, the most effective found at a major symposium was the nutritional supplement, SAMe.  It's something most people make naturally, but most who are depressed make lower levels.  It helps regulate adrenaline.

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Re: Depression - Alt

Check out the website drsha.com then watch the documentary movie soul masters.  I know someone who overcame their OCD with Master Sha's techniques.  It took a year.  No real healing is instant.  But a lasting healing is possible through studying with this master.  Good luck.

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Re: Depression - Alt

I've dwelt with mild depression alot lately. The things that help the most are exercising, expressing every feeling with self-acceptance and most likely by yourself.  Unless you have someone really accepting and will let you completly fall apart, then again friends usually don't carry the role of counselor to well. Also having God there for me has helped alot I don't know where you stand on that continum but having something to believe in and to think that there's a greater power helps. Lastly have you tried Saint Johns Wort? It's been proven to be a little more effective at least then the traditional meds on treating depression and it worked for me the only drawback is it makes your skin more succeptible to sunburn and I'd talk to a dr. about starting on it since it sounds like you are taking alot of meds.  I wish I had something to offer on OCD but I don't.  Mainly exercise, relationships, and St. Johns Wort has been the most effective for me.

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